Miami Marlins: Top Five Current Players

The Miami Marlins roster is full of talent but who are the top five Marlins players on their current roster?

The Miami Marlins have been a pleasant surprise this season as they hold a wildcard spot and are trying to chase down the Nationals currently for the division lead.  Their players have all overachieved.

While there is certainly many talented players to choose from the who are the best? Here are the top five Marlins currently on the roster.

Over the next few weeks we will do the same for each MLB team as we cover each division. While this season does play a major factor these ratings also take into account a player’s history and how his career has gone. Mixing the two makes for a very interesting outlook for who the top five players truly are on each team.

The one player who did not quite make the cut but is worth mention is Marlin’s second baseman Dee Gordon. Dee had an awesome first season for the Marlins before he was caught and suspended for PED use. The suspension has put a bit of a dampener on his breakout season and leaves the Marlins wondering if Dee Gordon can be the great lead-off man he was before being suspended. So far so good for Gordon as he hasn’t appeared to miss a step coming back from the suspension.

Next: A Former Brave Loves Miami

#5 Martin Prado

Martin Prado could make this list both based on his current season as a Marlin and his career. Prado has had a underrated career. He has had multiple seasons hitting well over .300 striking out at a very low rate and playing all over the field.

Martin Prado is a player that you want on your team. Not only for his talent but for his example and the attitude he brings with him. Prado has been the perfect add to this young Marlins team that will need Prado’s guidance and experience as they try and make a run at postseason this year. Martin Prado is heading into free agency do not be surprised if the Marlins never let him hit the market.

While his former team (Atlanta Braves) have been rumored to be interested in a re-union the Marlins may have more of an ability to spend this coming offseason and that could be the difference in Martin Prado staying with the Miami Marlins. Wherever the veteran end ups no doubt that he is a huge help and bring a great example of how to play the game correctly.

Next: An Outfielder Takes Flight

#4 Christian Yelich

Christian Yelich is finally living up to the expectations that Marlin’s fans and management had for the young outfielder. For as long as he has been around fans often forget Yelich is still only twenty-four years old and had a lot to adjust to in the major leagues.

Yelich is part of an outfield that is arguably the most talented in the game. He offers a great on-base percentage and is a very good gap hitter. The Marlins problem with so many young talented players will be keeping them all locked up long-term.

Christian Yelich is helping bring his team back to relevance. The Miami Marlins have tried to put together a competing team for the last few years and failed. Christian Yelich may not steal twenty bases or hit twenty over the fence but what he does do is offer consistent production. He gets on base and knows how to work the count.

Christian Yelich may not be the prototypical star player, but he is a great hitter and should be an important part of the Miami Marlins core for many years to come.

Next: Number Three

#3 Marcell Ozuna

Marcell Ozuna was sent to the minor leagues not that long ago due to his struggles. The Marlins knew the type of player he was capable of being, when he failed to meet expectations they sent him to the minors. Following the move there was speculation that Ozuna was to be traded.

The Miami Marlins refused to sell low however, and now are seeing the benefits of their patience. Marcell Ozuna is enjoying a breakout season. Ozuna is hitting the ball consistently all over the  park with authority.

Marcell Ozuna has hit bottom as a player and made his way back. He is now an All-Star player and considered one of the best offensive players on the team. He plays centerfield at an above average level that keeps his improving bat in the lineup.

Ozuna’s story of going to the minors, accepting it, and coming back better is a great example of what Yasiel Puig has failed to do. The young Dodgers outfielder has been less than willing to work on improving in the minor leagues. Ozuna is still young and hopefully has his best seasons ahead of him.

Next: Two For The Price of One

#2 Jose Fernandez/Giancarlo Stanton

It is only fair to rate the two stars of the Marlins at the same level. Jose Fernandez may surpass Stanton if not for the fact that Jose is limited to a few starts a season.

Giancarlo Stanton is the most powerful hitter in the game. He proved just how much power he has in this year’s home-run derby. While a home-run derby may not mean all that much it more than proved to those who wondered who the most powerful hitter in the league is?

The thing that is keeping Stanton from being considered a star is his lack of ability to consistently put the ball in play. If he can learn to cut down on chasing balls out of the zone, Stanton will easily become one of the most revered hitters in the league. Even with his tendency to chase, Stanton’s power and hitting ability is feared and well known.

Jose Fernandez is one of the best aces in the league. He strikes hitters out at an elite rate while keeping a low ERA. What is so impressive about Fernandez is his young age and how talented he already is.

The Miami Marlins have two star players on their hands who will keep fans watching as long as they remain Marlins.

Next: From Japan to Cooperstown